Neyyar boating regulated

Poovar: The Poovar police have come forward with strict regulations regarding boating at Neyyar. The withdrawal of the three life guards posted at Pozhikkara has led to the intervention of the police to ensure safety of the passengers.

It was following the refusal of several boating service providers that the three life guards have been pulled off work, sources report. The three life guards were posted at a monthly salary of Rs 11,000 and Rs 400 was being collected from each boating service provider for their wages. The conflict arose after the workers groups that operated boats at Poovar refused to share the cost.

With risks running high on tourists reaching the destination for boating, the Poovar police, led by CI Santhosh Kumar and SI Suresh Kumar, intervened proactively and called a meeting of the boat operators. It was made clear that boating operations cannot happen unless the security measures are taken. It has also been observed that several of the boating agencies have not even ensured minimum safety equipment on their boats and even arrange for alcohol during the trips.

Several lives have been lost in the sea and lake of Pozhikkara. Despite this the tourism department has refused to employ life guards at this location citing technical reasons like the place not being declared a tourist destination.

With the Onam season starting, the number of tourists coming to Poovar has increased exponentially increasing the risks manifold. The strict directive from the Police has been made in this mileu.